Media Center
Corporate Communications tells OCFA’s story with transparency, accuracy, and purpose. This team leads internal and external communications, responds to media inquiries, supports emergency incidents, and drives public awareness through education campaigns and community outreach. From crisis response to everyday storytelling, they ensure OCFA’s voice remains clear, timely, and connected to the people we serve.
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In the media
Catch the latest headlines and media coverage featuring the Orange County Fire Authority.
News & Updates
Podcast - Hot Pursuit
Join hosts OCFA Fire Captain/Investigator Scott Kuhlman and Sophia Champieux as they take you behind the scenes of Orange County’s most compelling fire investigations. From arson to accidental blazes, twice a month we’ll explore a new case that uncovers the science, intuition, and human stories behind the flames. Through interviews with experts, fire investigators, law enforcement, and forensic specialists, Hot Pursuit offers an insider’s look at how these mysterious and often chilling fires are solved. Discover the untold stories that rise from the ashes, one fire at a time.
Executive Producer: Kevin Hansen
Hosts: Sophia Champieux & Scott Kuhlman
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Support OCFA’s mission to protect and serve the community. Your contributions help fund vital programs and resources that save lives.
News and Active Incidents
OCFA’s Active Incidents section provides real-time information on emergencies happening now. See where our responders are deployed and stay connected to ongoing public safety efforts in your area.
Posts from @OCFireAuthority
This morning, OCFA crews were dispatched to a reported rock slide on the San Clemente Beach Trail, located south of the San Clemente Pier.
Upon arrival, OCFA personnel assessed the scene and determined there was no damage to, nor danger posed to, homes located on the cliff >>>
above the trail. While there were no reports of anyone trapped, OCFA deployed three Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) K-9 teams as a precaution to ensure no victims were involved.
K-9s Nanci, Cooper, and Rubble, along with their handlers, thoroughly canvassed the entire slide area. >
After completing their search, all K-9 teams confirmed that no individuals were trapped within the debris.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Fire Apparatus Engineer Kevin Skinner on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on January 5, 2025. Kevin and his family are forever in our hearts.
Rescued from cold, fast-moving water in Westminster.
Firefighters responded this afternoon to a man clinging to a section of a culvert in cold, fast-moving water in a storm channel at Bolsa Avenue and Goldenwest Street.
First-arriving firefighters quickly lowered inflated fire hoses over the edge to capture the victim in case he lost his grip. Crews quickly positioned the truck’s aerial ladder, allowing technical rescue firefighters to lower a rescuer, secure the victim, and raise him to safety.
Firefighter paramedics assessed and transported him to the hospital for evaluation.
Thank you to our partners at Huntington Beach Fire and Westminster PD for their assistance.
@WestminsterPIO @HBFD_PIO @WestminsterPDCA
@OCFirefighters
🙏🎥 @TrafficNewsLA
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Fire Apparatus Engineer James Richard Forrester on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on January 3, 2024. James and his family are forever in our hearts.
Just before noon today, a 911 caller reported a person in the Santa Ana River Bed near Warner & Harbor. OCFA, Fountain Valley & Costa Mesa fire departments sent approx 60 FFs to this water rescue. The person was in moving water & traveled about 2 miles.
Unfortunately, OCFA’s Swift Water Rescue Firefighters pulled a deceased person from the Santa Ana River in the City of Fountain Valley.
Trabuco Canyon -Working structure fire in a condo complex in the 20 block of Sagebrush at 9:08am. Approx 30 OCFA firefighters quickly knocked down the fire & contained it to the two car garage with only smoke damage in the interior. No injuries & the cause is under investigation.
Happy New Year from the Orange County Fire Authority! Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable year. ✨
OCFA mourns the line-of-duty death of Fire Apparatus Engineer Daniel “Danny” Cook of the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department. We stand with his family, loved ones, and everyone at CAL FIRE/Riverside County during this difficult time.
Rest easy, Engineer Cook.
🖤 It is with profound sadness that we announce the line of duty death of Fire Apparatus Engineer Daniel “Danny” Cook.
Engineer Cook passed away earlier today while engaged in firefighting operations. His service, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Please keep
For OCFA’s 30th Anniversary, employees from across the organization sat down to share what teamwork means to them.
At the Orange County Fire Authority, professional staff and operations personnel work side by side every day, carrying out our motto, “In Service of Others.”
From Human Resources to Community Risk Reduction, Logistics, and everyone in between, it’s this collaboration that allows all of us to succeed in our roles. #30YearsofOCFA
🚧 BE PREPARED BEFORE THE STORM 🚧
Heavy rain can lead to flooding—now is the time to prepare. 🌧️
Most OCFA fire stations have EMPTY sandbags available, and the fire stations listed in the graphic have both sand and sandbags available for public use.
Sandbags can help >>>
protect homes and property from floodwaters when placed correctly around doors, garages, and low-lying areas.
✔️ Bring your own shovel
✔️ Please take only what you need so supplies remain available for others
For additional preparedness tips, visit http://ocfa.org
Today, we honor Assistant Chief Tim Perkins as he retires after a distinguished 31-year career.
From his start as a Paid Call Firefighter in 1991, Chief Perkins’ commitment to excellence continuously propelled our agency forward, and at every step of his career — from >>>
the Operations Section.
Humble and always to the point, Chief Perkins said it best at his recent retirement celebration: “I just really love this job.” Married to his high school sweetheart, Danette, Tim also expressed his gratitude to her and their two daughters for all their >
support and the sacrifices they made throughout his career.
Chief, your love of living a life and building a career “In Service of Others” is the foundation of our excellence and the springboard for our future. Thank you for your outstanding service, dedication, and heart.
A dry, unwatered tree can pose a fire hazard in your home. 🌲 Remove your tree promptly after the holidays to reduce risk and keep your home safe.
From all of us at the Orange County Fire Authority, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. Please celebrate safely. 🚒🎄
OCFA Dispatch has received a report from the crew of our Firehawk helicopter regarding a holiday aircraft. Meteorological analysis indicates an arrival in Orange County shortly after midnight on December 25, 2025.
All young children are advised to be in bed prior to its arrival.
Effective Wednesday, December 24 at 8 am, an Evacuation Order (Mandatory) is issued for Trabuco Creek, Hot Springs Canyon and Bell Canyon due to possible debris flows along or near the Airport Fire burn scar.
More info & map: http://www.ocsheriff.gov/airportfire
🎄 Holiday Safety Starts at Home 🎄
Last week, OCFA partnered with OCSD and UCI Health to share important safety reminders as we head into the holiday season—when fire and injury risks tend to increase.
To highlight the dangers, we set up two simulated living rooms: >>>>
•One featured a dry Christmas tree and an overloaded outlet with daisy-chained extension cords
•The other had a well-maintained tree and safe electrical setup
The difference was dramatic. The improperly maintained setup ignited and spread fire much faster, showing just >>>
how quickly a holiday fire can turn dangerous.
As you celebrate this season, remember:
✔ Keep Christmas trees well-watered
✔ Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords
✔ Practice safe decorating habits
From all of us at OCFA, we wish you a happy and safe holiday.
Smoke may be visible in parts of Orange County today. The U.S. Forest Service is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Cleveland National Forest from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cleveland fuels crew have been busy implementing several forest health projects this season! In the upcoming weeks, you may see smoke as crews conduct prescribed fires. Stay safe! Watch for warning signs along the road and avoid these areas. More info: http://www.facebook.com/clevelandnf
In preparation for the anticipated rain in the forecast, we will have additional resources pre-positioned beginning Wednesday morning.
These resources include:
Swift water rescue units
Helicopters
Dozers
Hand crew firefighters
According to @NWSSanDiego, rainfall rates may overwhelm drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding and roadway ponding. A wind advisory has also been issued for Wednesday.
We encourage our community to plan ahead, use caution, and stay informed as conditions change.
Orange County, heavy rain is in the forecast for the next few days. 🌧️ Slow down on the roads and plan ahead to stay safe.
Do you need sandbags? Visit https://www.ocfa.org/residents/sandbags/ to find an OCFA station near you carrying sandbags. Please bring your own shovel, supplies are limited.
“You were smooth and calm. I’m going to call you Salvavidas. That means lifesavers in Spanish.”
We were honored to receive a visit from a community member who stopped by Fire Station 75 in @CityofSantaAna today to personally thank our firefighters for the care they provided to him during a medical event and for the calming reassurance they gave his wife.
When they left, his wife reflected, “What a blessing to meet them.”
We couldn’t agree more. It was a privilege to be together today. We are grateful for moments like these and proud of our team’s professionalism, compassion, and dedication to our community.
Firefighters were honored to attend this year’s Benefit Concert for the Orange County Fire Authority. Hosted by the Music Story Foundation and held at Concordia University in Irvine, the event provided an inspiring evening where students, families, and friends came together >>>
to express their appreciation for firefighters through classical music and charitable donations to the OCFA Foundation. Firefighters from Truck 4 and Information 1 were humbled to be part of this heartwarming event - a reminder of the importance of community and generosity.
Family escaped fire that spread into their home and threatened another.
Santa Ana - A family woke up to the sound of glass breaking when an exterior fire rapidly spread into their home on W. Kent Street and was threatening a house behind it. >>>
prevent the blaze from spreading into the home to the rear.
Damage to the structure is estimated at $200K and $100K to contents. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
🎥 courtesy of @CountyNewsTV
@CountyNewsTV The @SoCal_RedCross was requested to assist five adults who were displaced. Assistance was provided by the Fountain Valley Fire Department.
Crews launched a coordinated fire attack, rapidly knocking down the flames and preventing further spread. During operations, firefighters also rescued three dogs from inside the building.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. >>>
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. We received the call at approximately 7:50 this evening. The incident was on Cartegena. 🎥 @OCHAWKNEWS
🔥 Dogs Saved in 3-Alarm Blaze 🔥
Firefighters arrived on scene tonight to find a two-story condo complex with fire through the roof. Two units were fully involved, with four adjacent units immediately threatened. The damage was limited to 3 units total. >>>>
Crews will remain on scene overnight mopping up and extinguishing hotspots. The incident occurred in Aliso Viejo.
Who knew John McClane wanted to be an OCFA Firefighter this whole time? We did, and we are happy to report that: A) Die Hard is a Christmas movie, and B) the classic Run DMC track from the film is now part of OCFA holiday parody lore.
Enjoy, and have a safe and enjoyable holiday season!
Congratulations to Orange County Fire Authority's newest graduates, Academy 62! 🔥 Over the last few months, they have each put in countless hours of training and dedication to become an OCFA firefighter.
We look forward to seeing them serve the residents of Orange County with integrity, compassion, and courage. Welcome to the OCFA family! Wishing each of you a safe, successful, and rewarding career.
Holiday lights should bring joy to your home, not put it at risk. ✨💡
Avoid overloading outlets, and always unplug decorations and lights before leaving your home or going to bed. A few simple steps can help keep you safe.
New technology has been introduced at OCFA! After completing hands-on training with our nurse educators, all crews are now equipped to use our newest Stryker LIFEPAK 35 monitors, which bring important upgrades and advanced clinical capabilities to the communities we serve.
Cardiac monitors assist with Return of Spontaneous Circulation, or “ROSC,” which refers to the restoration of a pulse and effective circulation following cardiac arrest – a critical step toward survival in prehospital cardiac care.
In 2024, OCFA crews achieved ROSC at a rate that exceeds the national average, delivering 300 cardiac patients to hospitals with a pulse and circulation, and as always, we now aim to improve upon that success with new technology and training.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Fire Captain Eric Weuve on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on December 13, 2016. Eric and his family are forever in our hearts.
🔥 QUICK STOP 🔥
This morning, OCFA firefighters battled a residential structure fire in Trabuco Canyon.
Upon arrival, crews found flames shooting from the rear windows of the home. Due to the distance to the nearest hydrant, firefighters laid hundreds of feet of hose and >>>>
coordinated between multiple units to secure a reliable water supply.
The teamwork allowed firefighters to quickly knock down the fire and prevent further spread.
Thank you to the residents in the area who kept the narrow road clear so our crews could access the scene. 👏
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